Page "Eastern Orthodox Church" Paragraph 19

The ecumenical councils followed a democratic form ; with each bishop having one vote.

Though present and allowed to speak before the council, members of the Imperial Roman / Byzantine court, abbots, priests, monks and laymen were not allowed to vote.

The primary goal of these Great Synods was to verify and confirm the fundamental beliefs of the Church as truth, and to remove as heresy any false teachings that would threaten the Church.

The Pope of Rome, at that time, held the position of “ first among equals ”.

And while he was not present at any of the councils he continued to hold this title until the East-West Schism of 1054 AD.